How do I get my well water tested in Maine?
1-866-292-3474 to find a certified well water testing lab. 2. Call your lab and order a test kit. tap water, and fill out the forms included with the kit.
How much does a water test cost in Maine?
The cost of well water testing in Maine is based upon the kinds of tests you’re running, and how specific or in-depth that testing needs to be. Testing can run anywhere from $100 up to $300+ for more uncommon and complex scenarios.
How do I get my water tested?
Often county health departments will help you test for bacteria or nitrates. If not, you can have your water tested by a state certified laboratory. You can find one in your area by calling the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791 or visiting www.epa.gov/safewater/labs.
Can you test water quality at home?
Water quality test strips Test strips like those in the Health Metric kit are the most common method of testing water quality because they’re affordable and easy to use. Take the strip out of the water and compare the color changes on the test strip to a color chart included in the kit.
How common is arsenic in well water in Maine?
So it’s no surprise that arsenic in drinking water is far from ideal. Yet testing shows that about 15% of Maine wells have water with excessive levels of arsenic – and, since it’s possible any arsenic may pose a threat, the number is likely even higher.
Is Maine well water safe to drink?
Your water looks, smells, and tastes fine, but it may not be safe to drink. Many Maine wells have too much arsenic, uranium, radon, or other harmful chemicals.
How often is bottled water tested?
For example, bottled-water plants must test for coliform bacteria just once a week; city tap needs to be tested 100 or more times a month.
Can you filter arsenic out of well water?
Current methods to remove arsenic include precipitation, adding lime or coagulants to water, using membranes to filter it out, or using an ion exchange process. But using a filter for removal is one of the most commonly used methods due to its ease of operation, relatively low cost and high effectiveness.
How common is arsenic in well water?
Arsenic has been detected in about 40 percent of new wells drilled since 2008 in Minnesota. (The detection level for arsenic is usually 2 µg/L.) About 10 percent of Minnesota’s private wells have arsenic levels higher than 10 µg/L. Arsenic is in groundwater throughout the state, but it is more likely in some areas.
Why should you not drink well water?
Polluted well water can cause nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. The harmful contaminants in the water could lead to serious health issues. They include cancer, neurological problems, reproductive problems, and gastrointestinal illness, says Dr. Gochfeld.
How do you check water quality?
Contact the local municipality. Local water municipalities are required to test water quality regularly, and to make the results public and available each year. This data is compiled in the form of a “Water Quality Report,” you can test the quality of your water by obtaining a copy of this report.
How much does well water testing cost?
Nationwide, the average cost of a well inspection is $300 to $500. The price depends on the inspector’s rates, the types of water tests they conduct to check your water quality, and whether they provide a septic inspection at the same time. Oct 21 2019
Where to get drinking water tested?
Contact your Health Department water quality division for information on which tests might be appropriate. To get your water tested, you can call your Health Department to arrange for a water test (if they do them), or request a list of State-certified water testing laboratories serving your area.